Pet travel route
Dog or cat from the Dominican Republic to the United Kingdom
Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least about 4 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: microchip, rabies vaccination and rabies blood test (titer) and 3 more.
Rules checked up to 12 October 2026From 3 official pages
In short
- Dogs and cats differ on this route: choose Dog or Cat to see just yours.
- The United Kingdom puts the Dominican Republic in the group “Unlisted country”, which decides part of the rules.
- On this route: rabies blood test needed and tapeworm treatment before arrival.
- No import permit or quarantine on this route for a pet that meets the rules.
We’re re-checking these rules. An official source they rely on has changed since we last verified them, so something here may be out of date. Before you book or travel, confirm the details with the official authority.
- Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain · page changed, noticed 13 Oct 2026
Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving the Dominican Republic publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. DIGEGA's page lists the steps and documents but gives no deadline before departure and doesn't say when the Dominican veterinary college (COLVET) stamp or the VUCE single-window process is needed. Start early and ask DIGEGA (809-535-9689, ext. 307) what applies to your destination.
At a glance
How early to start (dogs)
about 4 months
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: Rabies blood test (titer) (3 months after the blood sample)
about 3 months
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: Rabies blood test (titer) (3 months after the blood sample)
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (dogs)
- Rabies blood test needed
- No import permit
- No quarantine
- Tapeworm treatment before arrival
How early to start (cats)
about 4 months
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: Rabies blood test (titer) (3 months after the blood sample)
about 3 months
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: Rabies blood test (titer) (3 months after the blood sample)
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (cats)
- Rabies blood test needed
- No import permit
- No quarantine
Which rules apply to you
The United Kingdom puts the Dominican Republic in the group “Unlisted country”. See every group
Official name: Not listed — rabies blood test needed
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Rule change for pets travelling from the Dominican Republic to the United Kingdom
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Dominican Republic → United Kingdom
What your pet needs
In the order you do them. Each step says whether the Dominican Republic (leaving) or the United Kingdom (entering) asks for it.
Dogs
Get ready
IdentificationEntering the United Kingdom
Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped on or before the day of its rabies vaccination. An ISO 11784/11785 chip can be read at the border; otherwise bring your own reader.
Details and the official words
If this is missed: The rabies vaccination doesn't count and must be given again.
“You must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination.”
VaccinationEntering the United Kingdom
Rabies vaccination
Vaccinate against rabies (pet at least 12 weeks old). After a first (primary) vaccination you must wait at least 21 full days before arriving; no wait after a booster if the cover never lapsed.
Details and the official words
Some vaccines take longer to work (e.g. 30 days) — your vet will tell you.
“Your vet needs proof that your pet’s at least 12 weeks old before vaccinating them.”
“You will have to wait at least 21 full days after the first rabies vaccination (or the last of the first course of rabies vaccinations) is given.”
Blood testEntering the United Kingdom
Rabies blood test (titer)
Your vet takes a blood sample at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and sends it to an EU-approved lab. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. You must then wait 3 months from the sample date before travelling.
Details and the official words
The test stays valid as long as the rabies vaccinations are kept up to date.
We count '3 months' as the longest possible 3 calendar months, so the date we show is always safe.
“Your pet must have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.”
“You must wait 3 months from the date the blood sample was taken before you travel.”
In the days before you travel
Vet examLeaving the Dominican Republic
Health certificate from a vet, with an up-to-date vaccination record
Take your pet to a vet for a health certificate. Bring an up-to-date vaccination record with a current rabies vaccination and a current parasite treatment, a microchip where your destination requires one, and any extra document your destination asks for (such as a rabies blood test). Get the Dominican veterinary college (COLVET) signature and stamp when it is required.
Details and the official words
“Certificado de salud emitido por médico veterinario.”
“Récord o tarjeta de vacunación actualizado.”
“Vacuna antirrábica vigente.”
“Documentación adicional exigida por el país de destino (Serología vacuna de Rabia).”
“Obtener firma/sello del COLVET cuando sea requerido.”
TreatmentEntering the United Kingdom
Tapeworm treatment (dogs)
A vet must treat your dog for tapeworm (praziquantel) and record it. It must be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive.
Details and the official words
The window is in hours: check the treatment time against your arrival time. If your journey is delayed past 120 hours, your dog needs a new treatment.
If this is missed: Your dog can be refused entry or put into quarantine.
“no less than 24 hours before you enter Great Britain”
“You do not need to treat your dog for tapeworm if you’re coming directly to Great Britain from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway.”
PaperworkThe Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom
Great Britain pet health certificate
Get a Great Britain pet health certificate signed, stamped and dated by an official veterinarian in the country you travel from. Your pet must enter Great Britain within 10 days of it being issued.
Details and the official words
DIGEGA validates the documents; official inspection at the port of exit: Present the documents to DIGEGA (Ciudad Ganadera, Santo Domingo, Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm) to be signed and stamped (RD$ 500), and complete the VUCE single-window process where it applies. DIGEGA answers within 1 to 24 hours. Then go to the port of exit, where an official vet inspects your pet and issues the zoosanitary certificate.
“Your pet must enter Great Britain within 10 days of the pet health certificate being issued.”
“Presentar la documentación ante DIGEGA para validación (Firma y sellado).”
“Realizar el proceso correspondiente en VUCE cuando aplique.”
“Dirigirse al puerto de salida para la inspección veterinaria oficial y emisión del certificado zoosanitario correspondiente.”
“Lunes a Viernes de 8:00 am – 4:00 pm”
“1-24 Horas”
“RD$ 500.00 pesos según el protocolo específico publicado por DIGEGA; conviene validar si existen costos adicionales asociados al trámite/VUCE o al destino.”
PaperworkEntering the United Kingdom
Non-commercial declaration
Sign a declaration that you won't sell or transfer ownership of your pet.
Details and the official words
“You also need to fill in a declaration if you’re not going to sell or transfer the ownership of your pet.”
Travel day and arrival
RouteEntering the United Kingdom
Use an approved travel route
Book an airline, ferry or rail route that is approved for pet travel into Great Britain.
Details and the official words
“Check your route is approved for pet travel.”
On arrivalEntering the United Kingdom
Checks on arrival
Your pet's microchip and documents are checked on arrival. Pets arriving from outside the EU must be taken through customs (an agent or the airline usually does this).
Details and the official words
If this is missed: Your pet could be put into quarantine for up to 4 months, or refused entry if you travelled by sea — at your expense.
“When you arrive in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland), your pet’s microchip and documents will be checked.”
Good to know
- Some dog breeds are banned in Great Britain and can only enter with a valid Certificate of Exemption.
- By plane, pets must travel as cargo into Great Britain unless you fly a chartered private plane or travel with a recognised assistance dog.
- Meeting DIGEGA's requirements doesn't replace your destination's entry requirements: check them before you start, as some countries ask for a microchip, a rabies blood test or other certificates. DIGEGA recommends starting well ahead of your travel date.
Cats
Get ready
IdentificationEntering the United Kingdom
Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped on or before the day of its rabies vaccination. An ISO 11784/11785 chip can be read at the border; otherwise bring your own reader.
Details and the official words
If this is missed: The rabies vaccination doesn't count and must be given again.
“You must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination.”
VaccinationEntering the United Kingdom
Rabies vaccination
Vaccinate against rabies (pet at least 12 weeks old). After a first (primary) vaccination you must wait at least 21 full days before arriving; no wait after a booster if the cover never lapsed.
Details and the official words
Some vaccines take longer to work (e.g. 30 days) — your vet will tell you.
“Your vet needs proof that your pet’s at least 12 weeks old before vaccinating them.”
“You will have to wait at least 21 full days after the first rabies vaccination (or the last of the first course of rabies vaccinations) is given.”
Blood testEntering the United Kingdom
Rabies blood test (titer)
Your vet takes a blood sample at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and sends it to an EU-approved lab. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. You must then wait 3 months from the sample date before travelling.
Details and the official words
The test stays valid as long as the rabies vaccinations are kept up to date.
We count '3 months' as the longest possible 3 calendar months, so the date we show is always safe.
“Your pet must have a blood sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.”
“You must wait 3 months from the date the blood sample was taken before you travel.”
In the days before you travel
Vet examLeaving the Dominican Republic
Health certificate from a vet, with an up-to-date vaccination record
Take your pet to a vet for a health certificate. Bring an up-to-date vaccination record with a current rabies vaccination and a current parasite treatment, a microchip where your destination requires one, and any extra document your destination asks for (such as a rabies blood test). Get the Dominican veterinary college (COLVET) signature and stamp when it is required.
Details and the official words
“Certificado de salud emitido por médico veterinario.”
“Récord o tarjeta de vacunación actualizado.”
“Vacuna antirrábica vigente.”
“Documentación adicional exigida por el país de destino (Serología vacuna de Rabia).”
“Obtener firma/sello del COLVET cuando sea requerido.”
PaperworkThe Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom
Great Britain pet health certificate
Get a Great Britain pet health certificate signed, stamped and dated by an official veterinarian in the country you travel from. Your pet must enter Great Britain within 10 days of it being issued.
Details and the official words
DIGEGA validates the documents; official inspection at the port of exit: Present the documents to DIGEGA (Ciudad Ganadera, Santo Domingo, Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm) to be signed and stamped (RD$ 500), and complete the VUCE single-window process where it applies. DIGEGA answers within 1 to 24 hours. Then go to the port of exit, where an official vet inspects your pet and issues the zoosanitary certificate.
“Your pet must enter Great Britain within 10 days of the pet health certificate being issued.”
“Presentar la documentación ante DIGEGA para validación (Firma y sellado).”
“Realizar el proceso correspondiente en VUCE cuando aplique.”
“Dirigirse al puerto de salida para la inspección veterinaria oficial y emisión del certificado zoosanitario correspondiente.”
“Lunes a Viernes de 8:00 am – 4:00 pm”
“1-24 Horas”
“RD$ 500.00 pesos según el protocolo específico publicado por DIGEGA; conviene validar si existen costos adicionales asociados al trámite/VUCE o al destino.”
PaperworkEntering the United Kingdom
Non-commercial declaration
Sign a declaration that you won't sell or transfer ownership of your pet.
Details and the official words
“You also need to fill in a declaration if you’re not going to sell or transfer the ownership of your pet.”
Travel day and arrival
RouteEntering the United Kingdom
Use an approved travel route
Book an airline, ferry or rail route that is approved for pet travel into Great Britain.
Details and the official words
“Check your route is approved for pet travel.”
On arrivalEntering the United Kingdom
Checks on arrival
Your pet's microchip and documents are checked on arrival. Pets arriving from outside the EU must be taken through customs (an agent or the airline usually does this).
Details and the official words
If this is missed: Your pet could be put into quarantine for up to 4 months, or refused entry if you travelled by sea — at your expense.
“When you arrive in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland), your pet’s microchip and documents will be checked.”
Good to know
- By plane, pets must travel as cargo into Great Britain unless you fly a chartered private plane or travel with a recognised assistance dog.
- Meeting DIGEGA's requirements doesn't replace your destination's entry requirements: check them before you start, as some countries ask for a microchip, a rabies blood test or other certificates. DIGEGA recommends starting well ahead of your travel date.
Money
What it costs
Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in the Dominican Republic publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.
Government fees on this route
DIGEGA validation of the export documentsLeaving Dominican Republic500 DOP
“RD$ 500.00 pesos según el protocolo específico publicado por DIGEGA”
Permisología para la Importación / Exportación de Perros y Gatos (DIGEGA) · as of 2026-10-12
Government fees in total: 500 DOP (each currency separately)
What vets and labs charge Not official figures
Rabies blood test: the lab’s own pricean approved laboratory; your vet adds the blood draw and the courier · for: rabies blood test (titer)Prices from 8 countries
Austria: 1 published price
- AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety), Institute for Veterinary Investigations Mödling: Lab price for the rabies antibody titre test for pets (EU-recognised lab), samples sent from EU countries, 20% VAT included; transport to the lab paid by the sender97.26 EUR · per sample · read 2026-10-13
France: 2 published prices
- Laboratoire départemental de la Haute-Garonne (LD31 EVA): Lab price for the FAVN (WOAH/OMSA method) rabies antibody test, VAT included, price guaranteed until 31/12/2026 (from the lab's order form)99 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Inovalys (laboratory): Lab price only: rabies antibody titration (COFRAC accredited), ordered online by the owner; the page says the blood sample is taken by your vet and sending it to the lab is the owner's responsibility (no amounts given for those)99.18 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United Kingdom: 2 published prices
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats for pet travel (test code TC0712), single sample, excluding VAT72.30 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats, extended method (test code TC0570), single sample, excluding VAT106 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
Japan: 1 published price
- Research Institute for Animal Science in Biochemistry and Toxicology (RIAS, 一般財団法人生物科学安全研究所): Lab fee only: rabies antibody test at RIAS (a MAFF-designated lab), tax included, paid in advance by bank transfer; vet's blood draw and shipping not included15,000 JPY · per sample · read 2026-10-13
Poland: 1 published price
- National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet-PIB), Puławy: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test, standard service (max 21 calendar days), electronic report only, gross (VAT included)280 PLN · per test · read 2026-10-13
Sweden: 1 published price
- Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA): Lab price for the FAVN rabies vaccination-check antibody test (article D142410), excluding VAT (exkl. moms)1,365 SEK · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United States: 1 published price
- University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for pet travel/export (University of Missouri VMDL One Health-Rabies Laboratory); shipping not stated79 USD · per test · read 2026-10-13
South Africa: 1 published price
- Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR): Lab price for the rabies neutralization (antibody) test per clear serum sample, VAT included; the price list does not name FAVN or RFFIT (ARC-Onderstepoort diagnostic price list, PDF created May 2026)2,030 ZAR · per clear serum sample · read 2026-10-13
No published prices yet for the Dominican Republic: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate (vet’s fee), parasite treatment, vet examination.
Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices
Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.
Round trip
Coming back to the Dominican Republic
Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves the Dominican Republic.
The trip back asks for 5 steps: vet examination within 72 hours before departure, internal and external parasite treatment before the vet examination, rabies vaccination (inactivated vaccine) from 90 days old, at least 30 days before departure and rabies vaccination within the 12 months before departure and more.
Every step from the United Kingdom to the Dominican Republic
Nearby routes
Other routes
Where this comes from
Official sources
- Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain
- Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad
- Permisología para la Importación / Exportación de Perros y Gatos (DIGEGA)
Last checked against the official pages: 2026-10-12.
Questions owners ask
Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from the Dominican Republic to the United Kingdom?
Yes: Your vet takes a blood sample at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and sends it to an EU-approved lab.
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into the United Kingdom?
No. The official rules we have verified for this route don't ask for an import permit.
Will my dog or cat be quarantined in the United Kingdom?
Not on the routes we have verified: the official rules list no quarantine for a pet that meets the requirements.
How early should I start preparing my pet for the Dominican Republic to the United Kingdom?
With nothing done yet, start at least about 4 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: microchip, rabies vaccination and rabies blood test (titer) and 3 more.
Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake
Read next
Turn this into dates for your pet
Where from, where to, when. You get every step with its deadline and the official page it comes from.